Hadi says BN divided on Melaka polls alliance with PN

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has stated that Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership is divided regarding an alliance with Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the upcoming Melaka state election. Despite this division, Hadi remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached, as most of BN's grassroots support cooperation with PN, according to Sinar Harian.

He believes negotiations in Melaka will be less complicated than those for the previous Johor polls, due to the current political climate and favorable feedback from grassroots members.

Although official negotiations between BN and PN have not yet commenced, Hadi revealed that representatives from both parties have been engaging in discussions. He affirmed that the majority of BN members concur with PN's cooperation, including Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and grassroots leaders.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had initially announced that the Umno-led coalition would continue its alliance with PN in the Melaka polls following their victory in the August 1 election in Negeri Sembilan. However, BN has since expressed its intention to defend the 21 seats it secured in the 2021 Melaka polls and has opened itself to discussions with any coalition.

Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim disclosed that a committee, led by election director Amirudin Shari and Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, is spearheading talks with BN.